Connector

ABSTRACT

A connector is provided which has a fluid passage whose volume does not substantially vary with the opening/closing of a valve disc. The connector includes a substantially cylindrical connector main body, a valve disc made of elastic material and disposed at one of the opening ends of the connector main body, and a substantially cylindrical connecting member disposed on the outer periphery of the connector main body on the side of the valve disc and coaxially with the connector main body to be movable in an axial direction of the connector main body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for connecting aduct used in, for example, various medical equipment, fluid infusioncontainers, and fluid feeding equipment.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A connector for connecting a duct is provided with a housing anda valve disc made of elastic material and connected to a connecting portof this housing, and is structured so as to be positively connected tothe duct by this valve disc. The fluid flowing through the duct is fedto the interior of the connector.

[0003] The connector of such type is conventionally known from onedisclosed in, for example, JP 9-108361 A.

[0004] This connector is provided with the valve disc having abellows-like section (bellows section). When a duct is connected to theconnector, the bellows section of the valve disc shrinks by means of theduct so that an end surface of the valve disc is pushed against theduct. Thus, the leakage of liquid from a slit of the valve disc isprevented.

[0005] However, in the conventional connector, when the duct isconnected to the connector, the valve disc shrinks so that a flow pathvolume of the interior of the valve disc, i.e., the flow path volume ofthe connector is decreased in comparison with the case where the valvedisc is closed, which causes various problems.

[0006] For example, in the case where the connector is connected to acatheter disposed in a blood vessel and used, the duct is connected tothe connector, and an anticoagulant agent is infused into the catheterfrom the duct through the connector. Thereafter, when the duct isremoved away from the connector, the bellows section of the valve discis extended so that the flow path volume of the connector is increased.At this time, the blood is sucked into the catheter by a negativepressure.

[0007] Thus, the blood is coagulated to cause thrombi within thecatheter so that the catheter is clogged and can not be used. For thisreason, the catheter has to be removed. The number of operations isincreased to impose a load to the patient.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a connectorhaving a fluid passage whose volume does not substantially vary with theopening/closing of a valve disc.

[0009] Such an object is attained by the present inventions (1) to (17)described below.

[0010] (1) A connector including: a substantially cylindrical connectormain body having a fluid passage in its interior and opened at bothends; a valve disc disposed at one of opening ends of the connector mainbody and made of elastic material for opening the fluid passage withinthe connector main body upon the connection with a duct to be connectedto the connector main body and closing upon the non-connection; and asubstantially cylindrical connecting member disposed on the outerperiphery of the connector main body on a side of the valve disc andcoaxially with the connector main body to be movable in an axialdirection of the connector main body.

[0011] (2) The connector according to the above-described item (1), inwhich the valve disc is opened by a pressure from the duct without theduct passing through the interior of the valve disc.

[0012] Normally, the duct has a taper outer peripheral surface thatdecreases gradually in a distal end direction. Also, the duct has a lurelock, and a flange is formed at an end section of the connecting memberof the connector. If these are engaged with each other, it is possibleto hold the connection more stably.

[0013] (3) The connector according to the above-described item (1) or(2), in which the duct is fit to an opening of the connecting member tothereby connect and hold the duct.

[0014] (4) The connector according to any one of the above-describeditems (1) to (3), further including biasing means for biasing theconnecting member toward the connector main body.

[0015] (5) The connector according to the above-described item (4), inwhich the biasing means is composed of a spiral spring, a bellows springor a stepwise spring.

[0016] (6) The connector according to any one of the above-describeditems (1) to (5), further including a position regulating means forregulating a position of the connecting member so as to expose a part ofthe valve disc in the vicinity of the connecting port at the time whenthe duct is not connected to the connecting port.

[0017] (7) The connector according to any one of the above-describeditems (1) to (6), in which the valve disc has a pressed section in whicha slit section that is opened due to reception of the pressure from theduct is formed.

[0018] (8) In the connector according to the above-described item (7),in which the pressed section has a curved convex surface on at least oneof a surface on a side with which a distal end surface of the ductcontacts and a surface on its back side.

[0019] (9) The connector according to the above-described item (7), inwhich the pressed section has a curved concave surface on a surface of aside with which a distal end surface of the duct contacts.

[0020] (10) The connector according to any one of the above-describeditems (7) to (9), in which the surface on the back side on the side,with which the distal end surface of the duct contacts, of the pressedsection is flat.

[0021] (11) The connector according to the above-described item (9), inwhich the pressed section has a curved convex surface on the surface onthe back side on the side with which the distal end surface of the ductcontacts.

[0022] (12) The connector according to the above-described item (7) or(8), in which the pressed section has a flat surface on the side withwhich the distal end surface of the duct contacts.

[0023] (13) The connector according to any one of the above-describeditems (1) to (6), in which the valve disc has a pressed section providedwith a slit section opened upon the natural state and the shape of thevalve disc is regulated by the connecting member upon the non-connectionbetween the duct and the connector main body so that the slit section isclosed.

[0024] (14) The connector according to the above-described item (13), inwhich a contour in plan view of the pressed section has a non-circularshape upon the natural state, and the shape of the valve disc isregulated by means of the connecting member to become substantiallycircular.

[0025] (15) The connector according to the above-described item (7), inwhich the pressed section has a first convex section on the side withwhich the distal end surface contacts.

[0026] (16) The connector according to the above-described item (15), inwhich the first convex section is formed into a substantially domeshape.

[0027] (17) The connector according to the above-described item (15) or(16), in which the pressed section has a second convex sectionprojecting opposite the first convex section on the back side of thefirst convex section.

[0028] (18) The connector according to the above-described item (17), inwhich the second convex section is formed into a substantiallyhemispherical shape.

[0029] (19) The connector according to any one of the above-describeditems (1) to (18), in which the fluid passage distance of the connectormain body defined between the contact surface between the duct and thevalve disc disposed at one end of the connector main body and an openingon the other end does not substantially vary with the opening/closing ofthe valve disc before and after the connection between the duct and theconnector main body.

[0030] (20) The connector according to any one of the above-describeditems (1) to (19), in which the volume of the fluid passage of theconnector main body does not substantially vary before and after theconnection between the duct and the connector main body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]FIG. 1 is a perspective view in accordance with a first embodimentof a connector of the present invention, which shows a state that a ductis not connected.

[0032]FIG. 2 is a perspective view in accordance with the firstembodiment of the connector of the present invention, which shows astate that the duct is connected.

[0033]FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a structural example of a valvedisc according to the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 4 is a local sectional view of a side surface in accordancewith a second embodiment of a connector of the present invention, whichshows a state that a duct is not connected.

[0035]FIG. 5 is a local sectional view of a side surface in accordancewith the second embodiment of the connector of the present invention,which shows a state that the duct is connected.

[0036]FIG. 6 is a local sectional view of a side surface in accordancewith a third embodiment of a connector of the present invention, whichshows a state that a duct is not connected.

[0037]FIG. 7 is a local sectional view of a side surface in accordancewith the third embodiment of the connector of the present invention,which shows a state that the duct is connected.

[0038]FIG. 8 is a local sectional view of a side surface in accordancewith a fourth embodiment of a connector of the present invention, whichshows a state that a duct is not connected.

[0039]FIG. 9 is a local sectional view of a side surface in accordancewith the fourth embodiment of the connector of the present invention,which shows a state that the duct is connected.

[0040]FIGS. 10A and 10B are a plan view and a local sectional view of aside surface showing an structural example of a valve disc according tothe present invention.

[0041]FIGS. 11A and 11B show the valve disc shown in FIG. 10 and are aplan view and a local sectional view of a side surface when the valvedisc is turned about its axis by 90 degrees.

[0042]FIG. 12 is a local sectional view of a side surface of the valvedisc shown in FIG. 10, which shows a state that a duct is connected.

[0043]FIGS. 13A and 13B are a plan view and a local sectional view of aside surface showing an structural example of a valve disc according tothe present invention.

[0044]FIG. 14 is a local sectional view of a side surface of the valvedisc shown in FIG. 13, which shows a state that a duct is connected.

[0045]FIGS. 15A and 15B are a plan view and a local sectional view of aside surface showing an structural example of a valve disc according tothe present invention.

[0046]FIGS. 16A and 16B are a plan view and a local sectional view of aside surface of the valve disc shown in FIG. 15, which shows a statethat the shape of the valve disc is limited by a connecting member.

[0047]FIG. 17 is a side sectional view in accordance with a fifthembodiment of a connector of the present invention, which shows a statethat a duct is not connected.

[0048]FIG. 18 is a side sectional view in accordance with the fifthembodiment of the connector of the present invention, which shows astate that the duct is connected.

[0049]FIG. 19 is a side sectional view in accordance with a sixthembodiment of a connector of the present invention, which shows a statethat a duct is not connected.

[0050]FIG. 20 is a side sectional view in accordance with the sixthembodiment of the connector of the present invention, which shows astate that the duct is connected.

[0051]FIG. 21 is a side sectional view showing another example in whicha plurality of connectors according to the present invention areprovided.

BEST MODE FOR EMBODYING THE INVENTION

[0052] A connector according to the present invention will now bedescribed in detail on the basis of preferred embodiments with referenceto the accompanying drawings. The modes of the present invention are notlimited to the embodiments shown.

[0053] A first mode of the connector according to the present inventionis shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The connector 1 according to the presentinvention is provided with: a substantially cylindrical connector mainbody 1 having a fluid passage (hereinafter referred to as a flow path)21 in its interior and opened at both ends (241 and 221); a valve disc 5disposed at the opening end 221 that is one of the openings of theconnector main body 2 and made of elastic material for opening the flowpath 21 within the connector main body 2 upon the connection with a duct6 to be connected to the connector main body 2 and closing upon thenon-connection; and a substantially cylindrical duct connecting member 3disposed on the outer periphery of the connector main body 2 on the sideof the valve disc 5 and coaxially with the connector main body 2 to bemovable in an axial direction of the connector main body 2.

[0054] An inner diameter (diameter of the flow path 21) of the connectormain body 2 according to the present invention is usually substantiallyequal to an outer diameter of a tip end section of the duct 6 to beconnected and never greater than the outer diameter. Accordingly, theduct 6 to be connected is no longer substantially inserted into the flowpath 21 through the valve disc 5.

[0055] Incidentally, for the sake of the explanation, the explanationwill be given by regarding the side of the valve disc 5 (for example,the left side on the paper surface of FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS. 4 to 9) asa “proximal end” and the opening side (right side on the paper surface)as a “distal end” with respect to a longitudinal direction (horizontaldirection on the paper surface) of the cylindrical connector main body1. The other drawings are based on this rule.

[0056] The connector according to the first mode will now be describedin more detail.

[0057]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state that the duct 6 isnot connected to the connector 1. FIG. 2 is a sectional perspective viewshowing a state that the duct 6 is connected thereto.

[0058] The connector 1 connects the duct 6 and has the substantiallycylindrical connector main body 2, the substantially cylindricalconnecting member 3, a connecting section 4 whereby the connector mainbody 2 and the connecting member 3 are connected with each other and thevalve disc 5 formed of elastic material (flexible material).

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector main body 2 has the flowpath 21 in its interior, and the valve disc 5 is disposed at the end ofthe opening 221 on the side of a proximal end section 22 of the flowpath 21.

[0060] A ring-shape retainer section 23 that may be brought into contactwith a stepped section 33 of the connecting member 3 to be describedlater is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the proximal endsection 22 of the connector main body 2, and a taper surface 231 thathas an outer diameter decreasing gradually from the distal end to theproximal end is formed on the proximal end side of the retainer section23. Upon the non-connection of the duct 6, the taper surface 231 and ataper surface 331 of the stepped section 33 are engaged with each otherso that the connecting member 3 is regulated in position and retained ata predetermined position relative to the connector main body 2.

[0061] A taper surface that has an outer diameter decreasing graduallyfrom the proximal end to the distal end is formed on an outer peripheralsurface of the distal end section 24 of the connector main body 2; thatis, the outer peripheral side of the distal end section 24 is formedinto a lure taper-shape.

[0062] The side of the distal end section 24 of the connector main body2 is formed into a double sleeve shape and has a substantiallycylindrical (outer sleeve) lure lock section 25 having a greaterdiameter than that of the distal end section 24. A spiral rib (lure lockscrew) 251 is formed in an inner peripheral surface of the lure locksection 25.

[0063] A tube (not shown) having, for example, flexibility and the likeare connected liquid-tightly through a predetermined jig or directly onthe distal end side of this connector main body 2 whereby the flow path21 of the connector main body 2 and the inner hole (not shown) of thetube are in communication with each other. A tube of an infusion set,for example, is given as this tube. The distal end section 24 of theconnector main body 2 may be inserted into and connected to the tube.Also, the distal end section 24 of the connector main body 2 may be fitto the tube and at the same time, a flange or a lure lock screw (neithershown) on the tube side may be threadedly engaged and locked by the rib251 of the lure lock section 25.

[0064] Incidentally, according to the present invention, the lure locksection 25 may be dispensed with. Also, the outer diameter of the distalend section 24 of the connector main body 2 may be kept constant in theaxial direction (longitudinal direction).

[0065] The connector 1 has the connecting member 3 disposed on the outerside of the connector main body 2 and movable in the axial direction ofthe connector main body 2.

[0066] The connecting member 3 is composed of a proximal end section 31that is a connecting port section (connecting section) for the duct 6and a distal end section 32 having a greater diameter than that of theproximal end section 31. Normally, the duct 6 to be inserted into theconnecting member has an outer diameter decreasing gradually toward thedistal end. The proximal end section 31 has an inner diameter that mayallow the insertion length of the duct 6 in which the distal end of theduct 6 pushes and opens the valve disc 5 of the connector main body 2and maintain the duct 6 stably. Also, the inner diameter of thisproximal end section 31 is smaller than the inner diameter of the distalend section 32, somewhat greater than the outer diameter of the distalend section 24 of the connector main body 2 and smaller than the outerdiameter of the retainer section 23 of the connector main body 2. Theinner diameter of the distal end section 32 is somewhat greater than theouter diameter of the retainer section 23 of the connector main body 2.

[0067] The stepped section 33 is formed at a boundary (boundary section)of the proximal end section 31 and the distal end section 32. The tapersurface 331 that has an inner diameter decreasing from the distal end tothe proximal end is formed on the inner peripheral side of this steppedsection 33.

[0068] A position regulating means for regulating the position of theconnecting member 3 is defined by this stepped section 33 and theretainer section 23 of the above-described connector main body 2.

[0069] Also, a ring-shape flange 34 is formed on the proximal end of theconnecting member 3. This flange 34 is threadedly engaged with the lurelock screw (not shown) on the duct 6 side so that the duct 6 is lockedrelative to the connecting member 3. Alternatively, instead of theflange 34 shown, it is possible to form a spiral rib (lure lock screw)to threadedly engage with the lure lock screw (not shown) on the duct 6side on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end section 31 ofthe connecting member 3.

[0070] Also, according to the present invention, the flange 34 of theconnecting member 3 or the rib may be dispensed with.

[0071] The connecting member 3 is connected with the connector main body2 by a connecting section 4.

[0072] The connecting section 4 is constituted of a spiral spring(biasing means) 41 and a ring-shape attaching section 42 formed at a tipend of this spring 41.

[0073] The proximal end of the spring 41 is bonded to a tip end of theabove-described connecting member 3, and the attaching section 42 isbounded to a proximal end of the lure lock section 25 of the connectormain body 2.

[0074] As a joint method, fitting (particularly fitting or threadedlyengagement with caulking), adhesion with adhesives and so on areexemplified. Also, in the case where the members connected with eachother are made of resin, it is possible to adopt melt-bonding such asmelt-bonding by heat or melt-bonding by ultrasonic wave.

[0075] Here, it is preferable to integrally form the connector main body2 and/or connecting member 3 with the connecting section 4. Inparticular, it is preferable to integrally form the connecting member 3with the connecting section 4. Thus, it is possible to decrease thenumber of parts and also to reduce labor upon the assembling work andtime required for assembly.

[0076] The spring 41 is set up so as to be extended to some extent fromthe non-loaded state (natural length) upon the connection between theduct 6 and the connector 1 and biases the connecting member 3 toward thetip end side (in a direction close to the connector main body 2)relative to the connector main body 2, i.e., toward the side of theconnector main body 2 by its restoring force (elastic force).

[0077] The valve disc 5 is fixed liquid-tightly (airtightly) to theproximal end opening 221 of the connector main body 2 so as to close theflow path 21.

[0078] In FIG. 2, the distal end of a base body section 55 of the valvedisc 5 is bonded to the opening 221 end section of the connector mainbody 2. As a joint method for connecting the valve disc 5 and theconnector main body 2, the fitting (particularly fitting or threadedlyengagement with caulking), adhesion with adhesives and so on areexemplified. Also, in the case where the connector main body 2 is madeof resin, it is possible to adopt the melt-bonding such as melt-bondingby heat or melt-bonding by ultrasonic wave.

[0079] A structural example of the valve disc is shown in section inFIG. 3. The valve disc 5 is composed of the substantially cylindricalbase body section 55 and a pressed section 51 provided to shield theinner hole of the base body section 55 on one end side (proximal endside) in the axial direction of the base body section 55. It ispreferable to integrally form the base body section 55 and the pressedsection 51.

[0080] The pressed section 51 is a section that receives the pressurefrom the distal end surface 62 of the duct 6 and its central section isformed into a thick section thicker than the outer periphery.

[0081] This pressed section 51 has a first convex section 52 with whicha distal end surface 62 of the duct 6 is brought into contact. Thisfirst convex section 52 is formed into a substantially dome-shape(conical, bevel, plate-like or the like) and projects by a predeterminedamount (is exposed to the connecting port) from the proximal end opening311 of the connecting member 3 to the outside when the duct 6 is notconnected to the connector 1 (joint port).

[0082] Also, the pressed section 51 has a second convex section 53 onthe back side of the first convex section 52. This second convex section53 is formed into a substantially hemispherical shape and projectsopposite the first convex section 52.

[0083] Thus, the pressed section 51 preferably has a curved convexsurface on at least one of the surface (surface on the proximal endside) on the side with which the distal end surface 62 of the duct 6 isbrought into contact and the surface (surface on the distal end side) onits back side, and more preferably has curved convex surfaces on thesurface on the side with which the distal end surface 62 of the duct 6is brought into contact and the surface on the back side, respectively.Thus, the liquid-tightness (airtightness) may be further enhanced.

[0084] A slit section 54 passing through the pressed section 51 isformed in the central section (thick section) of such a pressed section51. In this embodiment, the slit section 54 is comprised of astraight-line cut (slit) formed to pass through the apexes of the firstconvex section 52 and the second convex section 53.

[0085] This slit section 54 is closed by the elasticity of the pressedsection 51 to hold the liquid-tight state (airtight state) in thenon-loaded state (the state that the external force is not applied).

[0086] Incidentally, according to the present invention, the shape ofthe slit of the slit section 54 is not limited to that shown in thedrawings but may be a cross shape, for example.

[0087] Also, according to the present invention, the surface (surface onthe distal end side) on the back side to the side, with which the distalend surface 62 of the duct 6 is brought into contact, of the pressedsection 51 may be flat (see FIG. 13B).

[0088] Also, according to the present invention, the shape of thepressed section 51 is not limited to that shown or described above. Forexample, it is possible to obtain the sufficiently high liquid-tightness(airtightness) even without using the shape of the pressed section 51shown according to a kind of fluid flowing through the flow path 21 ofthe connector 1, a magnitude of the pressure (inner pressure of the flowpath 21) from the flow path 21 side of the connector main body 2, andthe like. In this case, for example, a relatively small rib is providedto the pressed section 51 or a thickness of the pressed section 51(section where the slit section 54 is formed) is set up (adjusted) to asuitable value.

[0089] Also, according to the present invention, for example, in thecase where the duct 6 is not connected to the connector 1 (connectingport), it is possible to take a structure in which a position in theaxial direction of the apex section of the first convex section 52 and aposition in the axial direction of the proximal end of the connectingmember 3 are substantially identified with each other.

[0090] Examples of the structural materials of the connector main body2, the connecting member 3, and the connecting section 4 include:polyolefines such as a polyethylene, a polypropylene, anethylene-propylene copolymer, and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer(EVA); a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinylidene chloride, a polystyrene, apolyamide, a polyimide, a polyamide imide, a polycarbonate, apoly(4-methylpentene-1), an ionomer, an acrylic resin, a polymethylmethacrylate, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin),an acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin), a butadiene-styrenecopolymer; polyesters such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), apolybuthylene terephthalate (PBT), and polycyclohexane terephthalate(PCT); a polyether, a polyetherketone (PEK), a polyetheretherketone(PEEK), a polyetherimide, a polyacetal (POM), a polyphenylene oxide, amodified polyphenylene oxide, a polysulfone, a polyethersulfone, apolyphenylene sulfide, a polyarylate, an aromatic polyester (liquidcrystal polymer), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride;various resin materials such as other fluorine resins; and a blendproduct and a polymer alloy containing at least one of theabove-mentioned materials. Further, various glass materials, ceramicmaterials, and metal materials may also be used.

[0091] In the case where the connector main body 2, the connectingmember 3 and the connecting section 4 are made of resin, respectively,it is possible to form them into a desired shape with ease by means of,for example, injection molding.

[0092] Moreover, the valve disc 5 consists of an elastic material(flexible material) which is elastic deformable. Examples of thematerial include: various rubber materials such as natural rubber,isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrilerubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, acrylic rubber,ethylene-propylene rubber, hydrin rubber, urethane rubber, siliconerubber, and fluorine rubber; various thermoplastic elastomers such asstyrene-based, polyolefin-based, polyvinyl chloride-based,polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based,polybutadiene-based, trans-polyisoprene-based, fluorine rubber-based,and chlorinated polyethylene-based thermoplastic elastomers. Thosematerials may be used alone or in combination of at least two of theabove-mentioned materials.

[0093] The duct 6 is a section or an equipment to be connected to theconnecting port (proximal end section 31 of the connecting member 3) ofthe connector 1. As the duct 6, there is exemplified a tubular equipmentsuch as a tip end projecting section (section to which a needle tube isconnected) of a syringe (injection syringe) or a hub or sheath that isindependent by itself.

[0094] The duct 6 has a flow path 61 in its interior. Then, a tapersurface that has an outer diameter decreasing from the proximal end tothe distal end is formed on the outer peripheral side of the duct 6.That is, the outer peripheral side of the duct 6 is formed into a luretaper shape.

[0095] The outer diameter of a tip end 63 of the duct 6 is somewhatsmaller than the inner diameter (connecting diameter) of the proximalend section 31 of the connecting member 3, and the outer diameter of theproximal end of the duct 6 is greater than the inner diameter of theproximal end section 31. Thus, it is possible to insert the tip endsection of the duct 6 into the connecting member 3 from the opening 311and to insert (fit) it into the proximal end section 31 at a desireddepth.

[0096] As the structural material for the duct 6, there can be used thesame material as that for the structural material of the connector mainbody 2, the connecting member 3 and the connecting section 4.

[0097] The operation of the connector 1 will now be described.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 1, when the duct 6 is not connected to theconnector 1 (connecting port) (upon non-connected state), the connectingmember 3 is biased toward the tip end side relative to the connectormain body 2, i.e., toward the connector main body 2 by the restoringforce (elastic force) of the spring 41, and the stepped section 33 ofthe connecting member 3 is retained by the retainer section 23 of theconnector main body 2 whereby the position of the valve disc 5 isregulated (retained) such that the first convex section 52 project tothe outside from the proximal end of the connecting member 3 by apredetermined amount.

[0099] Thus, since the first convex section 52 of the valve disc 5projects to the connecting port upon the non-connected state, it ispossible to, for example, clean or wipe the surface of the first convexsection 52 of the valve disc 5 to thereby make it possible to keep cleanthe surface of the first convex section 52.

[0100] Also, the slit section 54 of the valve disc 5 is biased such thatthe slit section 54 is closed by the elastic force of the pressedsection 51 upon the non-connected state, i.e., the non-loaded state(state that the external force is not applied) to thereby keep theclosed state and to keep the liquid-tightness (airtightness).

[0101] In this case, since the pressure (inner pressure of the flow path21) from the flow path 21 side of the connector main body 2 is appliedso as to close the slit section 54 in the same manner as the elasticforce of the pressed section 51, it is possible to positively preventthe leakage of the fluid (liquid, gas or the like) from the slit section54.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 1, when the duct 6 is connected to the connector1 (connecting port), the positioning is carried out such that the axisof the duct 6 and the axis of the connector 1 (opening 311) coincidewith each other.

[0103] Then, the duct 6 in this state is moved to the distal end side(in a direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1), and is inserted intothe connector 1 (connecting member 3) from the opening 311 of theconnecting member 3. At this time, the connecting member 3 is moved in adirection away from the connector main body 2 (proximal end side)against the elastic force of the spring 41.

[0104] Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the spring 41 is elongated, and thepressed section 51 (first convex section 52) of the valve body 5 ispressed by the distal end surface 62 of the duct 6. The first convexsection 52 undergoes elastic deformation, a dome shape thereof isgradually changed to a flat shape, and the first convex section 52 iswarped (the surface of the pressed section 51 becomes a concave shape).

[0105] Along with the change in the shape of the pressed section 51, theslit section 54 that has been closed gradually opens from the secondconvex section 53 side, and finally opens at a predetermined opening.Thus, the flow path 61 of the duct 6 is made to communicate with theflow path 21 of the connector main body 2 (flow path of the connector).

[0106] As described above, the duct 6 is connected to the connector 1.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 2, when the duct 6 is connected to the connector1 (connected state), the distal end surface 62 of the duct 6 is broughtinto airtight (liquid-tight) contact with the valve disc 5. In thiscase, the spring 41 is elongated more than that in the case of thenon-connected state, the valve disc 5 is pressed against the duct 6 byits restoring force whereby the sealability (liquid-tightness,airtightness) between the duct 6 and the valve disc 5 is considerablyenhanced to thereby make it possible to positively prevent the liquidleakage or the like.

[0108] Also, under the connected state, the duct 6 is fit to theproximal end section 31 at a position where its outer diameter coincideswith the inner diameter (diameter of the opening 311) of the proximalend section 31 of the connecting member 3 that is the connecting port.Thus, it is possible to prevent the duct 6 from being easily removedaway from the connector 1.

[0109] Also, in the connector 1, when the duct 6 is connected to theconnector 1, the connecting member 3 moves in a direction away from theconnector main body 2. Thus, since it is possible to open the valve disc5 and make the flow path 61 of the duct 6 communicate with the flow path21 of the connector main body 2 without invasion of the distal endsurface 62 of the duct 6 or the outer peripheral surface of the tip endsection into the flow path 21 of the connector main body 2 exceeding thevalve disc 5 (without insertion of the duct 6 into the valve disc 5),the volume (flow path volume) of the flow path 21 of the connector mainbody 2 does not substantially vary before and after the connection ofthe duct 6 (upon the non-connected state and the connected state).Namely, the volume of the flow path 21 does not substantially vary inaccordance with the opening/closing of the valve disc 5. Also, thedistance L from a tip end 63 of the duct 6 to the fluid passage opening241 (tip end of the flow path 21) does not substantially vary before andafter the connection (non-connected state and connected state) of theduct 6 under the state of contact between the tip end 63 of the duct 6and the valve disc 5.

[0110] For this reason, in the case where the connector 1 is used to beconnected to the catheter disposed in the blood vessel, for example,since the volume of the flow path 21 of the connector main body 2 doesnot substantially vary even if the duct 6 is removed from the connector1, the blood is no longer sucked into the catheter. Thus, it is possibleto prevent (or suppress) the generation of thrombi within the catheter.

[0111] Also, when the duct 6 is connected to the connector 1, since thisconnector 1 does not have the mode in which the distal end surface 62 ofthe duct 6 or the outer peripheral surface of the distal end sectioninvades the flow path 21 of the connector main body 2 exceeding thevalve disc 5 (the duct 6 penetrates through the slit section 54 of thevalve disc 5), the disadvantage that the slit section 54 is excessivelyexpanded to degrade the airtightness (liquid-tightness) is not caused.Also, even if foreign matters (refuse, dust or the like), bacilli or thelike are adhered to the distal end surface 62 of the duct 6 or the outerperipheral surface of the distal end section, it is possible to preventthe foreign matters or the like from entering the flow path 21 of theconnector 2 and contaminating the interior of the flow path 21.

[0112] When the duct 6 is removed from the connector 1, the duct 6 inthe state shown in FIG. 2 is moved to the proximal end side and pulledapart from the connecting member 3.

[0113] Thus, since the pressure applied to the valve disc 5 by the duct6 is released, the valve disc 5 is restored back to the original shapeimmediately by the self-restoring force due to its elasticity andbrought into the above-described state shown in FIG. 1.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 1, when the valve disc 5 is returned back to theoriginal shape, the slit section 54 is again closed and restores itsairtightness (liquid-tightness) as mentioned above. Thus, after the duct6 is removed away from the connector 1, even if, for example, the fluidflows in the reverse direction toward the proximal end, it is possibleto prevent the fluid from flowing out (leaking) from the proximal endside of the connector 1.

[0115] In particular, in this embodiment, since the slit section 54 isformed in the first convex section 52 and the second convex section 53that are the thick sections, it is possible to further enhance thesealability upon the closing of the slit section 54 compared with thecase where the slit section 54 is formed in the flat section. It istherefore possible to more positively prevent the liquid leakage againstthe elevation of the inner pressure of the flow path 21 of the connectormain body 2, or the like.

[0116] Also, since the connecting member 3 is biased toward theconnector main body 2 by the restoring force of the spring 41, when theduct 6 is removed away from the connecting member 3, the connectingmember 3 is moved to the distal end relative to the connector main body2. In this case, since the taper surface 331 is formed on the innerperipheral side of the stepped section 33 of the connecting member 3,the connecting member 3 may smoothly move along the taper surface 331.

[0117] Then, the stepped section 33 of the connecting member 3 isbrought into abutment with the retainer section 23 of the connector mainbody 2. Thus, the connecting member 3 is stopped (the connecting member3 is returned immediately back to the original position). That is, asdescribed above, the stepped section 33 of the connecting member 3 isretained by means of the retainer section 23 of the connector main body2. Thus, the connecting member 3 is positioned to the connector mainbody 2 (valve disc 5) such that the first convex section 52 of the valvedisc 5 projects from the proximal end of the connecting member 3 to theoutside by a predetermined amount and brought into the above-describedstate shown in FIG. 1.

[0118] The above-described effect can be obtained by the connector 1.

[0119] Also, the connector does not have a mode in which the duct 6 isconnected so as to pass through the slit section 54 of the valve disc 5as described above. Accordingly, the slit section 54 is not excessivelyexpanded. As a result, even if the removal of the duct 6 to theconnector 1 is repeatedly performed many times, the sealability of thevalve disc 5 in the slit section 54 is hardly degraded.

[0120] Also, since the connector 1 does not have a mode in which thevalve disc 5 is moved within the flow path 21, it is unnecessary toprovide a vent hole (through-hole) for making the flow path 21communicate with the outside. It is thus possible to prevent thecontamination of the interior of the flow path 21 of the connector mainbody 2.

[0121] Also, in the connector 1, since the duct 6 is connected directlyand used without using a needle, there arises no problem such aserroneous injection by a medial worker and its safety aspect is high.

[0122] Also, in the connector 1, it is possible to perform theattachment/detachment of the duct with a slight force, which is superiorin operationability.

[0123] Also, in the connector 1, the connecting member 3 is adapted tomove in the axial direction to the connector main body 2, so that thenumber of parts may be reduced relatively to thereby make it possible tosimplify the structure. Thus, it is possible to reduce the labor inassembling and to reduce the time required for assembling.

[0124] Also, the connector 1 is advantageous of miniaturization. Forexample, it is possible to apply the connector with ease to the tube inan infusion set, a chemicals feed inlet or the like.

[0125] Other modes of a connector according to the present inventionwill now be described. In the following modes, the same referencenumerals are used to indicate the parts that are same as orcorresponding to those in FIGS. 1 to 3. The explanation will be omittedfor the common points indicated by the same reference numerals and onlythe main difference will be explained.

[0126] A second embodiment of a connector according to the presentinvention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0127]FIG. 4 is a local sectional view of a side surface of theconnector according to the present invention, which shows the state thatthe duct 6 is not connected to the connector 1 of the second embodiment.FIG. 5 is a local sectional view of a side surface, which shows thestate that the duct 6 is connected to the connector 1.

[0128] In the connector 1 shown in these drawings, the outer diameter ofa proximal end section 551 of the base body section 55 of the valve disc5 is smaller than the outer diameter of a distal end section 552.

[0129] A stepped section 553 that may retain the distal end section 32of the connecting member 3 to be described later (that may come intocontact with the distal end section 32) is formed at a boundary(boundary section) of the proximal end section 551 and the distal endsection 552. A taper surface 554 that has an outer diameter decreasingfrom the distal end to the proximal end is formed on the outerperipheral side of the stepped section 553.

[0130] A ring-shape rib 555 is formed at a tip end of the base bodysection 55. A hole section 556 passing in the axial direction is formedin this rib 555.

[0131] A stepped section is formed in the distal end section 32 of theconnecting member 3. The taper surface 331 having an inner diameterdecreasing from the distal end to the proximal end is formed on theinner peripheral side of this distal end section 32.

[0132] A position regulating means for regulating the position of theconnecting member 3 is defined by this distal end section 32 and thestepped section 553 of the valve disc 5.

[0133] The connecting section 4 is constituted of the spiral spring(biasing means) 41 and an engagement claw 43 formed at the tip end ofthis spring 41.

[0134] The proximal end of the spring 41 is bonded to the tip end of theconnecting member 3.

[0135] On the other hand, the tip end section of the spring 41 isinserted into the hole section 556 of the rib 555 of the valve disc 5,and the engagement claw 43 is engaged with the rib 555 under this stateto thereby connect the distal end section of the spring 41 to the rib555 of the valve disc 5.

[0136] Namely, the valve disc 5 and the connecting member 3 areconnected with each other by means of this connecting section 4.

[0137] Incidentally, as described in conjunction with the connector 1according to the above-described first embodiment, it is preferable tointegrally form the connecting member 3 and the connecting section 4also in this connector 1.

[0138] As described above, according to this connector 1, it is possibleto obtain the same effect as that of the connector 1 in theabove-described first embodiment.

[0139] Also, it is possible to easily connect the valve disc 5 and theconnecting member 3 by the connecting section 4 even without usingadhesive technology or the like. Thus, it is possible to assemble theconnector 1 with ease.

[0140] A third embodiment of a connector according to the presentinvention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6is a local sectional view of a side surface, which shows the state thatthe duct 6 is not connected to the connector 1 of the third embodiment.FIG. 7 is a local sectional view of a side surface, which shows thestate that the duct 6 is connected to the connector 1.

[0141] In the connector 1 shown in these drawings, the outer diameter ofthe proximal end section 551 of the base body section 55 of the valvedisc 5 is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end section 552.

[0142] A stepped section 553 that may engage with the stepped section 33of the connecting member 3 (that may come into abutment against thestepped section 33) is formed at a boundary (boundary section) of thisproximal end section 551 and the distal end section 552. A taper surface554 that has an outer diameter decreasing from the distal end to theproximal end is formed on the outer peripheral side of this steppedsection 553.

[0143] A position regulating means for regulating the position of theconnecting member 3 is defined by this stepped section 553 and thestepped section 33 of the connecting member 3.

[0144] The connecting section 4 is composed of a bellows-like spring(biasing means) 44 and a ring-like attaching section 45 formed at a tipend of this spring 44. A ring-like slit 451 passing in the axialdirection is formed in this attaching section 45.

[0145] The spring 44 is disposed under the state that it somewhatshrinks from the non-loaded state (natural length) and biases theconnecting member 3 toward the tip end side to the connector main body 2(in a direction closer to the connector main body 2), i.e., toward theconnector main body 2 by its restoring force (elastic force).

[0146] A ring-like flange 35 is formed at a tip end of the connectingmember 3.

[0147] The spring 44 is located in the interior (inside) of thisconnecting member 3, and the proximal end of the spring 44 is bonded tothe tip end of the valve disc 5.

[0148] On the other hand, the distal end side of the connecting member 3is inserted into the slit 451 of the attaching section 45 of theconnecting section 4 and the rib 35 is engaged with the attachingsection 45 under this state whereby the attaching section 45 of thespring 44 and the distal end side of the connecting member 3 areconnected with each other. Namely, the valve disc 5 and the connectingmember 3 are connected with each other by means of the connectingsection 4.

[0149] Incidentally, as described in conjunction with the connector 1according to the above-described first embodiment, also in thisconnector 1, it is preferable to integrally form the valve disc 5 andthe connecting section 4.

[0150] When the duct 6 is connected to the connector 1 (connectingport), as shown in FIG. 7, the connecting member 3 is moved in adirection away from the connector main body 2 (toward the proximal endside) so that the spring 44 shrinks.

[0151] As described above, according to this connector 1, it is possibleto obtain the same effect as that of the connector 1 of theabove-described first embodiment.

[0152] Also, in this connector 1, since the spring 44 of the connectingsection 4 is located in the interior (inside) of the connecting member3, there is no fear that anything is brought into direct contact withthe spring 44.

[0153] It is thus possible to perform the connecting work safely even ifthe duct 6 having no lock mechanism is to be connected to the connector1.

[0154] Also, since the spring 44 of the connecting section 4 is locatedin the interior of the connecting member 3, it is possible to take anyshape for the outer peripheral shape of the connecting member 3. Forinstance, it is possible to provide a curved surface or a rib (knurl) orthe like corresponding to fingers on the outer peripheral side of theconnecting member 3 and to perform with ease a device such asfacilitating to grip the connector 1. Also, in this connector 1, it ispossible to connect the valve disc 5 and the connecting member 3 witheach other with ease by means of the connecting section 4 without usingadhesive technology or the like, thereby making it possible to assemblethe connector 1 with ease.

[0155] A fourth embodiment of a connector according to the presentinvention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0156]FIG. 8 is a local sectional view of a side surface, which showsthe state that the duct 6 is not connected to the connector 1 of thefourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a local sectional view of a side surface,which shows the state that the duct 6 is connected to the connector 1.Incidentally, the explanation will be omitted for the common points ofthe connector 1 of the above-described first embodiment and only themain differences will be explained.

[0157] In the connector 1 shown in these drawings, the inner diameter ofthe proximal end section 551 of the base body section 55 of the valvedisc 5 is smaller than the inner diameter of the distal end section 552.

[0158] The connecting section 4 is composed of a step-like spring(biasing means) 46 and a ring-like attaching section 45 formed at a tipend of this spring 46. A ring-like slit 451 passing in the axialdirection is formed in this attaching section 45.

[0159] The spring 46 is disposed under the state (shrunk state) that amovable section 461 somewhat bends from the non-loaded state and biasesthe connecting member 3 toward the tip end side to the connector mainbody 2 (in a direction close to the connector main body 2), i.e., towardthe connector main body 2 by its restoring force (elastic force).

[0160] A position regulating means for regulating the position of theconnecting member 3 is defined by this movable section 461 of the spring46 and the stepped section 33 of the connecting member 3.

[0161] The ring-like flange 35 is formed at the tip end of theconnecting member 3.

[0162] The spring 46 is located in the interior (inside) of thisconnecting member 3, and the proximal end of the spring 46 is bonded toa middle part of the proximal end section 551 of the valve disc 5.

[0163] On the other hand, the distal end side of the connecting member 3is inserted into the slit 451 of the attaching section 45 of theconnecting section 4 and the flange 35 is engaged with the attachingsection 45 under this state whereby the attaching section 45 of thespring 46 and the distal end side of the connecting member 3 areconnected with each other.

[0164] Namely, the valve disc 5 and the connecting member 3 areconnected with each other by means of the connecting section 4.

[0165] Incidentally, as described in conjunction with the connector 1according to the above-described first embodiment, also in thisconnector 1, it is preferable to integrally form the valve disc 5 andthe connecting section 4.

[0166] When the duct 6 is connected to the connector 1 (connectingport), as shown in FIG. 9, the connecting member 3 is moved in adirection away from the connector main body 2 (toward the proximal endside) so that the movable section 641 of the spring 46 bends toward theconnector main body 2 side.

[0167] The spring 46 has the stronger restoring force (restoring forceto return the movable section 461 back to the original position) toreturn to the original state in the initial moving period (state shownin FIG. 8) than in the final moving period (state shown in FIG. 9).

[0168] For this reason, in this connector 1, when the duct 6 isconnected to the connector 1 (upon the connected state), the restoringforce of the spring 46 is weak in comparison with the case upon thenon-connected state. This feeling is felt by the hand so that it ispossible to positively grip with ease the fact that the duct 6 has beenconnected to the connector 1.

[0169] Also, in this connector 1, in comparison with the case of usingthe biasing means, such as a spiral spring, whose restoring force isincreased as it is shrunk and whose restoring force is increased as itis elongated, since it is possible to weaken the restoring force of thespring 46 under the connected state, it is possible to hold theconnected state positively by engaging the duct 6 with the proximal endsection 31 of the connecting member 3 even if the duct 6 having no lockmechanism is connected to the connector 1.

[0170] As described above, according to this connector 1, it is possibleto obtain the same effect as that of the connector 1 according to theabove-described first embodiment.

[0171] Also, in this connector 1, since the spring 46 of the connectingsection 4 is located in the interior (inside) of the connecting member3, there is no fear that anything is brought into direct contact withthe spring 46.

[0172] It is thus possible to perform the connecting work safely even ifthe duct 6 having no lock mechanism is to be connected to the connector1.

[0173] Also, since the spring 46 of the connecting section 4 is locatedin the interior of the connecting member 3, it is possible to take anyshape for the outer peripheral shape of the connecting member 3. Forinstance, it is possible to provide a curved surface or a rib (knurl) orthe like corresponding to fingers on the outer peripheral side of theconnecting member 3 and to perform with ease a device such asfacilitating to grip the connector 1.

[0174] Also, in this connector 1, it is possible to connect the valvedisc 5 and the connecting member 3 with each other with ease by means ofthe connecting section 4 without using adhesive technology or the like,thereby making it possible to assemble the connector 1 with ease.

[0175] As described above, the connector according to the presentinvention has been described on the basis of the embodiments. However,the present invention is not limited to these. It is possible to replaceeach structure to any desired structure having the same function.

[0176] For example, according to the present invention, it is possibleto combine the above-described embodiments suitably.

[0177] Also, according to the present invention, the valve disc 5 is notlimited to each of the embodiments. Other structural examples of thevalve disc 5 will now be described. Incidentally, for the sake of theexplanation, the explanation will be given while regarding theup-and-down direction as an “axial direction”, the upper side as a“proximal end” and the lower side as a “distal end” on the paper surfaceof each sectional view of the valve disc. Also, the common point withthe valve disc 5 of the connector 1 according to each embodimentdescribed above will be omitted and only the main differences will bedescribed.

[0178]FIG. 10 corresponds to a plan view showing a structural example ofthe valve disc 5 (FIG. 10A) and a local sectional view of a side surface(FIG. 10B). FIG. 11 shows the valve disc 5 shown in FIG. 10 andcorresponds to a plan view (FIG. 11A) and a local sectional view of aside surface (FIG. 11B) when the valve disc 5 is rotated about itscenter axis by 90 degrees and FIG. 12 shows the valve disc 5 shown inFIG. 10 and is a local sectional view of a side surface, which shows thestate that the duct 6 is connected thereto.

[0179] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the pressed section 51 of this valvedisc 5 has a curved concave surface 56 on a surface (surface on theproximal end side) on the side with which the distal end surface 62 ofthe duct 6 is brought into contact and a curved convex surface 57 on asurface (surface on the distal end side) on its back side.

[0180] In the plan views shown in FIGS. 10A and 11A, the curved concavesurface 56 is curved in a direction perpendicular to the slit section 54and is not curved in the direction in parallel with the slit section 54.

[0181] Namely, the shape of the curved concave surface 56 has a shapesuch as an inner cylindrical peripheral surface with the axis (centeraxis) in the up-and-down direction in the plan view shown in FIG. 10A. Apair of linear apex sections 561 and 562 of this curved concave surface56 are arranged on both sides through the slit section 54 and inparallel with the slit section 54 in the plan view shown in FIGS. 10Aand 11A.

[0182] Also, the shape of the curved convex surface 57 forms asubstantially spherical surface (shape like a hemispherical surface).

[0183] As shown in FIG. 12, when the duct 6 is connected to theconnector 1, the pressed section 51 of the valve disc 5 is pressed bymeans of the distal end surface 62 of the duct 6, the slit section 54 isopened at a predetermined opening degree so that the flow path 61 of theduct 6 and the flow path 21 of the connector main body 2 are incommunication with each other through this valve disc 5.

[0184] In this valve disc 5, since the curved concave surface 56 isformed on the proximal end side of the pressed section 51 as describedabove, the slit section 54 is likely to be opened when the pressedsection 51 is pressed by means of the duct 6. Namely, the slit section54 is opened largely.

[0185] Incidentally, the shape of the curved convex surface 57 may bethe shape such as a cylindrical peripheral surface, for example.

[0186]FIG. 13 corresponds to a plan view (FIG. 13A) showing a structuralexample of the valve disc 5 and a local sectional view (FIG. 13B)showing its side surface. FIG. 14 shows the valve disc 5 shown in FIG.13 and is a local sectional view of a side surface, which shows thestate that the duct 6 is connected.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 13B, the pressed section 51 of this valve disc 5has the curved concave surface 56 on a surface (surface on the proximalend side) on the side with which the distal end surface 62 of the duct 6is brought into contact and a surface (surface on the distal end side)on its back side is flat (flat surface 58).

[0188] In the plan view shown in FIG. 13A, the curved concave surface 56is curved in a direction perpendicular to the slit section 54 and is notcurved in the direction in parallel with the slit section 54.

[0189] Namely, the shape of the curved concave surface 56 has a shapesuch as an inner cylindrical peripheral surface with the axis (centeraxis) in the up-and-down direction in the plan view shown in FIG. 13A.The pair of linear apex sections 561 and 562 of this curved concavesurface 56 are arranged on both sides through the slit section 54 and inparallel with the slit section 54 in the plan view shown in FIG. 13A.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 14, when the duct 6 is connected to theconnector 1, the pressed section 51 of the valve disc 5 is pressed bymeans of the distal end surface 62 of the duct 6, the slit section 54 isopened at a predetermined opening degree so that the flow path 61 of theduct 6 and the flow path 21 of the connector main body 2 are incommunication with each other through this valve disc 5.

[0191]FIG. 15 is a plan view (A) and a local sectional view (FIG. 15B)of a side surface, which shows still another structural example of thevalve disc 5. FIG. 16 shows the valve disc 5 shown in FIG. 15 and a planview (A) and a sectional view (FIG. 16B) of a side surface, which showsthe state that the shape of the valve disc 5 is regulated by theconnecting member 3.

[0192] As shown in FIG. 15, the slit section 54 opened under the naturalstate is formed in the central section of the pressed section 51 of thisvalve disc 5. This slit section 54 passes through the pressed section51.

[0193] Here the above-described “natural state” means the non-loadedstate in which the external force is not applied to the valve disc 5.

[0194] Also, a contour (contour shape) in a plan view of the pressedsection 51, i.e., a contour of the pressed section 51 when the pressedsection 51 is projected onto the plan view perpendicular to the axialdirection forms an oblong shape (non-circular shape) under the naturalstate.

[0195] Also, the surface (surface on the proximal end side) of the sidewith which the distal end surface 62 of the duct 6 contacts and thesurface (surface on the distal end side) on the back side thereof of thepressed section 51 are each flat (flat surfaces 59 and 58).

[0196] When the connector 1 provided with this valve disc 5 is assembled(the valve disc 5 is mounted on the connector 1) and the duct 6 is notconnected to the connector 1 (upon the non-connected state), the valvedisc 5 is located at the proximal end section 31 of the connectingmember 3 (see FIG. 1) and the shape of the valve disc 5 is regulated bythis proximal end section 31.

[0197] Thus, as shown in FIG. 16, the contour of the plan view of thepressed section 51 is formed into a substantially circular shape (thesame shape as the inner shape of the proximal end section 31) and theslit section 54 is closed.

[0198] Then, when the duct 6 is connected to the connector 1, the valvedisc 5 is located at the distal end section 32 of the connecting member3 (see FIG. 2). Namely, the regulation of the shape of the valve disc 5by the proximal end section 31 is released.

[0199] Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, the contour in the plan view of thepressed section 51 is returned back to the original shape, i.e., theoblong shape (non-circular shape), and the slit section 54 is opened sothat the flow path 61 of the duct 6 and the flow path 21 of theconnector main body 2 are in communication with each other through thisvalve disc 5.

[0200] Also, according to the present invention, the valve disc 5 may beformed of elastic material of two different kinds of materials incomposition or characteristics (flexibility, bending elastic rate,rubber hardness or the like).

[0201] Also, in the above-described embodiments, the shape of the slitof the slit section 54 is formed into the straight-line or thecross-shaped. However, according to the present invention, the shape isnot limited to those but may be formed into, for example an L-shape, anH-shape, a U-shape or the like. Furthermore, at the time when the flowrate of the fluid has to be increased or decreased in accordance withthe use, and so on, a plurality of slits may be formed in the slitsection 54.

[0202] A fifth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 as still anothermode of a connector according to the present invention.

[0203]FIG. 17 is a side sectional view showing a state that theconnector 1 and the duct 6 are not connected to each other, and FIG. 18is a side sectional view showing the state that the duct 6 is connectedto the connector 1.

[0204] According to this mode, the duct 6 has a lure lock 64 providedwith a spiral rib (lure lock screw) 251 on an inner periphery on a tipend section of the duct. The duct distal end surface 62 is projected bya predetermined length from a tip end of a section of the lure lock 25.

[0205] Upon the connected state (FIG. 17), the duct 6 is not onlyconnected and fit to the opening 311 of the connecting member 3 but alsoit is fixed by means of the engagement between the lure lock 64 of theduct 6 and the connecting member 3 (flange 34) of the connector 1.

[0206] The connecting member 3 has the flange 34 and the long tapersurface 331 in the stepped section 33.

[0207] The valve disc 5 has the pair of apexes 561 and 562 having thedistal end surface 62 formed into the curved concave surface 56substantially in the same manner as in FIG. 10B in a side sectional viewin the vicinity of the pressed section 51 and the curved convex surface57 on its back surface. The rib 555 is provided at a tip end of the basebody section 55 of the valve disc 5. Furthermore, a convex retainersection 557 is provided on an outer periphery of the base body section55. A notch 558 that may be bent upon depression from the distal endsection is provided on a side wall of the base end side from theretainer section 557.

[0208] The slit 54 has a wedge-shaped opening that has the flow path 21side of the connector main body narrowed in diameter by the bending ofthe notch 558 due to the depression from the distal end section.

[0209] The connecting section 4 is composed of a spiral spring (biasingmeans) 41 and a cylindrical attaching section 47 arranged around anaxial outer periphery from the distal end of the connector main body 2to the distal end side in which the lure lock is formed. The number ofwindings of this spring 41 may be higher than that of the spring shownin FIG. 1. The attaching section 47 fixes one end of the spring 41 by agroove 471 formed on its distal end side and fixes the rib 555 of thevalve disc 5 to the connector main body 2 by a retainer 472 formed atthe other end on the proximal end side. Thus, the valve disc 5 ispositively fixed to the connector main body 2. Also, since theconnecting member 3 is slid through a long stroke along the attachingsection 47 along a barrel section of the connector main body 2 upon theconnection with the duct 6, it is possible to perform the connectionsmoothly and stably.

[0210] Also, the valve disc 5 is held in a predetermined position by theretention of the valve disc 5 to the proximal end side wall by theopening 311 of the connecting member 3 and the retention of the convexretainer section 557 to the taper surface 331 of the connecting member3.

[0211]FIGS. 19 and 20 show a sixth embodiment of a connector accordingto the present invention. FIG. 19 is a side sectional view showing astate that the connector 1 and the duct 6 are not connected to eachother, and FIG. 20 is a side sectional view showing the state that theduct 6 is connected to the connector 1.

[0212] In the drawing, the valve disc 5 shows a modified mode of thevalve disc 5 and the connecting section 4 shown in FIG. 4 and thefunction of the stepped spring 461 in FIG. 4 is given to the valve disc5.

[0213] The connector main body 2 has a valve insertion barrel section 26having a smaller outer diameter on the proximal end side of the proximalend section 22 and the flow path 21 is somewhat expanded on the proximalend surface of the barrel section 26. According to this mode, the basebody section 55 of the valve disc 5 has a shape to cover the proximalend section 22 including the barrel section 26 of the connector mainbody 2 and a wing 559 that extends in a double tube shape outwardly fromthe tip end rib 555 of the base body section 55. The tip end section 560of the wing 559 is pressed and fixed to the intermediate vicinity to thebase body section 55 by a proximal end 48 of the connecting section 4and the tip end section 32 of the connecting member 4 (in thenon-connected state).

[0214] A part of the base body section outer periphery of the valve disc5 is fixed to the connector main body 2 by the ring-like retainer 49.

[0215] Upon the connection (FIG. 20), when the lure lock 64 of the duct6 and the connecting member 3 (flange 34) of the connector 1 are engagedwith each other, and the outer periphery of the duct 6 is fit in theopening 311 of the connecting member 3, the wing 559 of the valve disc 5extends from the vicinity of the ring-like retainer 49 to the proximalend side to follow the movement of the connecting member 3.

[0216]FIG. 21 shows still another mode of a connector according to thepresent invention and an example in which a plurality of connectors 1are arranged in parallel. FIG. 21 shows an example in which threeconnectors are arranged in parallel. Each connector 2 has the samestructure with the same arrangement as that of each of the valve disc 5,the connecting member 3 and the connecting section 4 shown in FIGS. 19and 20.

[0217] The connecting pipe 7 has a flow path 72 in the interior and hasa plurality of openings 73 in the body side wall 72 thereof. Accordingto the mode shown in FIG. 21, the connector main body 2 is composed bymaking one the tip end opening 241 of each connector main body 2 andeach opening 73 of the connecting pipe 7 to be continuous with the bodyside wall 71 of the connecting pipe 7 and to be formed integrallypreferably.

[0218] In such a connecting pipe, it is possible to introduce aplurality of kinds of liquids by a single catheter by providing aplurality of connectors used in, for example, a universal plug, asyringe, an infusion container, a medicine liquid container, a catheter,a needle or the like to thereby make it possible to reduce the load tobe imposed on the patient.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0219] As described above, in the connector according to the presentinvention, since the volume of the flow path does not substantially varybefore and after the connection of the duct, when the duct is detachedfrom and attached to the connector, it is possible to prevent the fluid(liquid, gas or the like) from being accidentally sucked or discharged.

[0220] For instance, in the case where the connector is connected to thecatheter disposed in the blood vessel and used, even if the duct isremoved from the connector, there is no fear that the blood is suckedinto the catheter to thereby make it possible to prevent (or suppress)the generation of thrombi within the catheter.

1. A connector comprising: a substantially cylindrical connector mainbody having a flow path in its interior and opened at both ends; a valvedisc disposed at one of opening ends of said connector main body andmade of elastic material for opening said fluid passage within theconnector main body upon the connection with a duct to be connected tothe connector main body and closing upon the non-connection; and asubstantially cylindrical connecting member disposed on the outerperiphery of said connector main body on a side of said valve disc andcoaxially with the connector main body to be movable in an axialdirection of the connector main body.
 2. A connector according to claim1, wherein said valve disc is opened by a pressure from said ductwithout said duct passing through the interior of the valve disc.
 3. Aconnector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said duct is fit to anopening of said connecting member to thereby connect and hold the duct.4. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprisingbiasing means for biasing said connecting member toward said connectormain body.
 5. A connector according to claim 4, wherein said biasingmeans is composed of a spiral spring, a bellows spring or a stepwisespring.
 6. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, furthercomprising position regulating means for regulating a position of saidconnecting member so as to expose a part of said valve disc in thevicinity of said connecting port at the time when said duct is notconnected to said connecting port.
 7. A connector according to any oneof claims 1 to 6, wherein said valve disc has a pressed section in whicha slit section that is opened due to reception of the pressure from saidduct is formed.
 8. A connector according to claim 7, wherein saidpressed section has a curved convex surface on at least one of a surfaceon a side with which a distal end surface of said duct contacts and asurface on its back side.
 9. A connector according to claim 7, whereinsaid pressed section has a curved concave surface on a surface on a sidewith which a distal end surface of said duct contacts.
 10. A connectoraccording to any one claims 7 to 9, wherein the surface on the back sideon the side, with which the distal end surface of said duct contacts, ofsaid pressed section is flat.
 11. A connector according to claim 9,wherein said pressed section has a curved convex surface on the surfaceon the back side on the side with which the distal end surface of saidduct contacts.
 12. A connector according to claim 7 or 8, wherein saidpressed section has a flat surface on the side with which the distal endsurface of said duct contacts.
 13. A connector according to any one ofclaims 1 to 6, wherein said valve disc has a pressed section providedwith a slit section opened upon the natural state and the shape of saidvalve disc is regulated by said connecting member upon thenon-connection between said duct and said connector main body so thatsaid slit section is closed.
 14. A connector according to claim 13,wherein a contour in plan view of said pressed section has a noncircularshape upon the natural state, and the shape of said valve disc isregulated by means of said connecting member to become substantiallycircular.
 15. A connector according to claim 7, wherein said pressedsection has a first convex section on the side with which the distal endsurface of said duct contacts.
 16. A connector according to claim 15,wherein said first convex section is formed into a substantially domeshape.
 17. A connector according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said pressedsection has a second convex section projecting opposite the first convexsection on the back side of said first convex section.
 18. A connectoraccording to claim 17, wherein said second convex section is formed intoa substantially hemispherical shape.
 19. A connector according to anyone of claims 1 to 18, wherein the fluid passage distance of saidconnector main body defined between the contact surface between saidduct and said valve disc disposed at one end of said connector main bodyand an opening on the other end does not substantially vary with theopening/closing of the valve disc before and after the connectionbetween said duct and said connector main body.
 20. A connectoraccording to any one claims 1 to 19, wherein the volume of said fluidpassage of said connector main body does not substantially vary beforeand after the connection between said duct and said connector main body.